January 20, 2004
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ORDER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

VICTORIA - Nominations for the Order of British Columbia, the province's highest recognition of excellence and achievement, are now being accepted by the Honours and Awards Secretariat.

"Many British Columbians have made a difference in their chosen fields, given generously of themselves and inspired others. Nominating someone for the Order of B.C. is a way to recognize their success," said Greg Halsey-Brandt, minister of state for intergovernmental relations. "Since 1990, when the first award was made, 203 British Columbians have received this honour."

The Order of B.C. will be presented this year by Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo to outstanding British Columbians who have excelled in any field of endeavour - such as community leadership, the arts, labour, business, volunteer service, research and education - benefiting the people of the province or elsewhere.

Recipients are chosen by an independent advisory council headed by British Columbia Chief Justice Lance Finch. The deadline for receiving nominations is 5 p.m. March 10. Recipient names will be made public in May, with an official dinner and ceremony of recognition at Government House in June.

Nomination forms are available at government agents' offices across the province or by contacting the Honours and Awards Secretariat in Victoria at 250 387-1616. The nomination form and information about all the people who have received this honour are also available at www.protocol.gov.bc.ca on the Internet.

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This news release is online at www.protocol.gov.bc.ca

For further information contact:

Sven Buemann
Honours and Awards Secretariat
250 387-1616